Charter Standard

The FA Charter Standard Programme.

Welcome to The FA Charter Standard

Proud to support places where people want to play football

The FA is proud to make Charter Standard part grassroots football in England.

The FA Charter Standard Programme is The FA’s accreditation scheme open to all grassroots clubs and leagues. It aims to raise standards in the grassroots game, supporting the development of clubs and leagues, recognising and rewarding commitment, quality and achievement.

Proud to support clubs get up to the standard

The FA Charter Standard accreditation is for clubs who can be proud to be places where people want to play. These are the clubs who demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football.

Clubs who achieve Charter Standard status are proud to prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding as well as the values of The FA’s Respect campaign as part of their game.

There are two different entry levels of FA Charter Standard club accreditation:

FA Charter Standard Youth
FA Charter Standard Adult

Advanced levels are for clubs who look to grow participation, involve a variety of different people and offer different formats in their football environments.

FA Charter Standard Development is aimed at clubs who are enhancing the quality and scope of their football offeringFA Charter Standard Community acknowledges the most advanced level of club development and football provision

Clubs which achieve The FA Charter Standard accreditation are challenged to maintain high standards and, where appropriate, to improve and progress to new levels.

The accreditation makes a positive difference to the way clubs are run and to people’s enjoyment of football. The FA aims to support all grassroots clubs to reach Charter Standard status through our network of County FA’s.

Clubs and leagues work in partnership with County FAs to meet the criteria needed to achieve the accreditation. From 2018 funding toward The FA Level 1 Coaching Football qualification is available for clubs.

What The FA Charter Standard means for clubs

Clubs achieving The FA Charter Standard status can be proud to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football. They are able to demonstrate positive football environments where people can develop their skills, keep fit and enjoy playing as part of a friendly, inclusive community.

In return for becoming accredited FA Charter Standard clubs receive access to benefits that help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters. The level of support and resources available will depend on the level of accreditation a club achieves. Benefits clubs experience include:

- Attract and retain players, supporters and volunteers
- Funding for football equipment
- Access to promotional resources and guidance
- Tailored support from The FA and County FAs

Proud to support grassroots leagues

The FA Charter Standard League is an accreditation that sets an operational benchmark for FA sanctioned leagues. Since 2009 this is awarded to leagues which can demonstrate their commitment to provide well organised football in safer, more inclusive environments.

Make your club or league proud to be FA Charter Standard

If you’re interested in achieving The FA Charter Standard Accreditation, or just want to find out more, you should start by making contact with your County FA. They’ll be able to support you.

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Any club can get the support they need to apply for FA Charter Standard accreditation. FA Charter Standard accreditation demonstrates how clubs, leagues, volunteers, parents and players play their part in providing fun, safe and inclusive football opportunities for all.

As a minimum clubs must be affiliated to a County FA and have at least one team playing in an FA sanctioned league.

What criteria must clubs meet?

The criteria are outlined within the application form. There are different criteria for both. It also has some relevant differences for the Youth and Adult game. Broadly the criteria are based around having the following in place:

These criteria are designed to make clubs in the best place possible to play and enjoy football.

Higher levels of accreditation are available to clubs who offer above the minimum criteria. Clubs who achieve Community or Development status are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.

What criteria should leagues meet?

The precise criteria to become an FA Charter Standard League is identified as part of your County FA meeting or forum. Broadly leagues are required to meet the following objectives:

• 60% of registered teams are members of FA Charter Standard clubs
• Demonstrate support for new teams to achieve FA Charter Standard status
• Supporting and implementing The FA’s Respect campaign
• Having a league referees’ officer
• Demonstrate active link to another league to support player development and transitional pathways
• After 3 years, have a minimum of 85% teams as members of FA Charter Standard clubs

Working together with your County FA, we help make sure you are delivering the best offer possible for players to play in a safe, fun and inclusive environment and support for the people who help run your teams.

How does a club apply for The FA Charter Standard accreditation?

Clubs should contact your local County FA to apply for FA Charter Standard status.

Clubs work in partnership with County FAs to demonstrate and work toward meeting the accreditation criteria. Help and support is available from our team of experienced staff.

Clubs and County FAs will work together to complete an FA Charter Standard application form. Then your County FA will review your application and supporting evidence with a number of experienced individuals within the game. If a club meets the criteria they are awarded a relevant level of accreditation. Support is available to help clubs meet the standard.

How do leagues register an interest in becoming Charter Standard?

Leagues should contact your local County FA to register an interest in achieving FA Charter Standard status. This is done by completing an FA Charter Standard League Registration form.

Your County FA will organise a meeting or invite you to one of our league workshops where we can help audit and assess your league. As part of this meeting we will identify outstanding objectives against the criteria and help leagues work toward meeting these.

How much does it cost to become FA Charter Standard?

It’s free! The FA and County FAs do not charge to become accredited. Clubs also receive benefits and incentives to achieve, maintain and progress their FA Charter Standard status.

How long is the accreditation valid for?

A club’s accreditation lasts for one season. An annual health check must be completed each year to review a club’s status. The FA Charter Standard accreditation may be withdrawn if a club has a poor disciplinary record or no longer meets the criteria.

What are the benefits of The FA Charter Standard for clubs?

Clubs which achieve FA Charter Standard status can be proud to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football. They are able to demonstrate they offer positive football environments where people can develop their skills, keep fit and enjoy playing as part of a friendly, inclusive community.

FA Charter Standard clubs receive access to benefits that will help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters. The level of support and resources you receive will depend on the level of accreditation a club achieves. Benefits clubs experience include:

- Attract and retain players, supporters and volunteers
- Funding for football equipment
- Access to promotional resources and guidance
- Tailored support from The FA and County FAs

The FA, County FA and associated partners offer a number of additional benefits to those above so speak to us today to find out more.